August can be a great month for Costa Rica weather.
Although it’s the fourth month of the seven-month rainy season, the amount of rain varies greatly by region. In some places, August weather is largely unchanged from previous months. In other places, August is much rainier.
No matter where you travel in Costa Rica, however, you’ll enjoy reduced crowds, low season discounts and increased hotel availability.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica in August?
August is the final month before the depths of Costa Rica’s rainy season sets in. But it’s still considered part of Costa Rica’s “light” rainy season, which stretches from May to August.
In most of the country, August means clear, sunny mornings with afternoon showers. If you don’t mind waking up early, there’s plenty to see and do. And when the rain hits you can head back to your hotel to relax, sip world-class coffee, and gaze out on Costa Rica’s lush, beautiful scenery.
August is definitely rainier than July. In some years, however, a dry weather phenomenon called veranillo (“little summer”) stretches into early August. This is a terrific time to visit Costa Rica. But the exact timing of veranillo varies from year to year. Some years veranillo starts and ends in July. Other years it extends into early August.
Also be aware that the amount of rain in Costa Rica varies significantly from region to region. (See rainfall map below.)
See Also
Costa Rica in July
Costa Rica in September
Best Places to Visit in August
The best August destinations in Costa Rica are Northwest Costa Rica (Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa) and the Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo). Both regions experience slightly more rain in August than previous months. August is also turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park, when thousands of sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach.
The next best August destinations in Costa Rica are the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Uvita) and the Central Valley (San Jose, Poas Volcano). Although both of these regions experience heavier rains in August than previous months, mornings are often clear and sunny.
The rainiest August destinations in Costa Rica are the South Pacific (Drake Bay, Corcovado) and mountains (Monteverde, Arenal, Chirripó). Unlike other parts of the country, where sunny afternoons are still possible in August, heavy daily rain is virtually guaranteed in the South Pacific and mountains.
Costa Rica Hotel Reservations in August
August is a great month to look for hotels in Costa Rica. Because it’s the low season (aka “green season”), you’ll find reduced prices and increased availability at hotels throughout the country. Room rates are often 20% to 30% cheaper in August than during the high season.
August Rainfall in Costa Rica
The rainfall map below shows which Costa Rica regions experience the most rain.
Learn more about Costa Rica’s Rainy Season.
August Temperatures in Costa Rica
The average temperature in Costa Rica in August is 69 – 89 degrees Fahrenheit (21 – 32 degrees Celcius) on the Pacific Coast. On the Caribbean coast the average temperature in August is 71 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit (22 – 30 degrees Celcius). In San José and the Central Valley the average temperature in August is 62 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit (17 – 25 degrees Celcius).
Sunrise and Sunset in August
Sunrise: 5:30 am
Sunset: 5:55 pm
Costa Rica Holidays and Festivals in August
Romeria a la Virgen de Los Angeles – August 2
The “Pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Angels” is Costa Rica’s most important religious celebration. Over one million romeros (“pilgrims”) travel on foot — sometimes for days — to the Basilica de los Angeles church in Cartago. There they pay homage to the Virgin de los Angeles, aka La Negrita (“The Little Black Girl”), a small black statue depicting the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. The statue was miraculously discovered in the forest by a young indigenous girl in 1635.
Mother’s Day in Costa Rica – August 15
El Día de la Madre (“Mother’s Day”) is one of Costa Rica’s most important holidays. All workers get the day off, and mothers are treated to presents, serenades and special meals.
Entrada de los Santos – August 30
This parade in San Ramon features over two dozen statues of saints brought from various towns. The celebration includes live music and traditional Costa Rican food.
Afro-Caribbean Culture Day – August 31
This parade in Limon celebrates Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. There are concerts, cultural activities, delicious Caribbean food and more.
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